And to carry carbon dioxide as a waste product away from the tissues and back to the lungs. Hemoglobin is an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of our body. The main function of white blood cells is to fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells. Each has its own role in fighting bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
Types of white blood cells that are most important for helping protect the body from infection and foreign cells include the following:. Help heal wounds. They do this by fighting infection, and also by taking in matter, such as dead cells, tissue debris, and old red blood cells. Are our protection from foreign bodies that enter the blood, such as allergens. Help to protect against changed mutated cells, such as cancer.
The main function of plateletsis blood clotting. Platelets are much smaller in size than the other blood cells. They group together to form clumps, or a plug, in the hole of a vessel to stop bleeding. What is a complete blood cell count CBC? A complete blood cell count CBC is a measurement of size, number, and maturity of the different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. A CBC can be used to determine many abnormalities with either the production or destruction of blood cells.
The other major type of white blood cell is a lymphocyte. There are two main populations of these cells. T lymphocytes help regulate the function of other immune cells and directly attack various infected cells and tumors.
B lymphocytes make antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target bacteria, viruses, and other foreign materials. Unlike red and white blood cells, platelets are not actually cells but rather small fragments of cells. Platelets help the blood clotting process or coagulation by gathering at the site of an injury, sticking to the lining of the injured blood vessel, and forming a platform on which blood coagulation can occur.
This results in the formation of a fibrin clot, which covers the wound and prevents blood from leaking out.
Fibrin also forms the initial scaffolding upon which new tissue forms, thus promoting healing. A higher than normal number of platelets can cause unnecessary clotting, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks; however, thanks to advances made in antiplatelet therapies, there are treatments available to help prevent these potentially fatal events.
Conversely, lower than normal counts can lead to extensive bleeding. A complete blood count CBC test gives your doctor important information about the types and numbers of cells in your blood, especially the red blood cells and their percentage hematocrit or protein content hemoglobin , white blood cells, and platelets. The results of a CBC may diagnose conditions like anemia , infection, and other disorders. The platelet count and plasma clotting tests prothombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time may be used to evaluate bleeding and clotting disorders.
Your doctor may also perform a blood smear, which is a way of looking at your blood cells under the microscope. In a normal blood smear, red blood cells will appear as regular, round cells with a pale center. Variations in the size or shape of these cells may suggest a blood disorder.
Blood grouping is essential for safe blood transfusions. A patient must receive a blood type that is compatible with their own blood type. If the blood types are not compatible, red blood cells will clump together, making clots that can block vessels and cause death.
In general a person with type A blood can donate to a person with type A or AB. A person with type B blood can donate to a person with type B or AB. A person with type AB blood can only donate to a person with AB only and someone with O type blood can donate to anyone.
This is because type O blood has no antigen on its surface and is often called a universal donor. In an emergency if there is no time for blood grouping the person in need of a transfusion would be given type O blood.
In general anyone aged between 17 and 70 who weighs at least 7 stone 12lbs and is in good health can give blood. Here are a few examples of people who are unable to give blood :. There is also a rare group of disorders where abnormally prolonged or excessive bleeding may occur anywhere in the body after injury or even without injury.
One well known, but luckily rare example of this is Haemophilia A rare condition that affects the way your blood clots. It is usually an inherited condition and is more common in males. Blood like every part of the body needs good nutrition so a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will help to maintain healthy blood.
If purchasing separately the maximum number of tablets is 96 of each type. If purchasing as a combination then the maximum allowed is 96 tablets in total. If you have any additional questions please Contact Us. Click here to find out more information. Home Health Information. Blood — what is it made up of? There are three main types of blood vessels: Arteries- the largest and thickest of the blood vessels.
When exposed to air a chemical reaction causes a protein in the blood, called fibrinogen, to turn into long threads which form a scab over the wound. Survive in the circulatory system for about 10 days and are removed by the spleen. Outside the body they can be stored for only five days. Used to help patients with malignant diseases who have low or abnormal platelets due to the disease itself or chemotherapy.
Platelets are in high demand for people with leukemia, blood disorders, cancer; recipients of bone marrow or organ transplants and accident, burn, and trauma victims. An average of four to eight units of platelets from whole blood donations or one apheresis donation is needed to meet one patient's needs.
Plasma Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts. This is the liquid portion of the blood. Plasma is 90 percent water and makes up more than half of total blood volume.
Other 10 percent is protein molecules, including enzymes, clotting agents, immune system components, plus other body essentials such as vitamins and hormones. Helps to maintain blood pressure and keeps everything moving through the circulatory system, supplying critical proteins and serving as an exchange system for vital minerals.
Plasma is frozen after collection and can be stored up to one year. Used to treat bleeding disorders when clotting factors are missing; plasma exchanges remove disease-causing factors from patient's plasma. Used to extract cryoprecipitate, a substance rich in Factor VIII, which is needed by hemophilia patients. Plasma purchased at for-profit centers is sold for research and some medical therapies. Who Can Donate Wondering if you're eligible to donate blood? Find a Location Find a blood donation location close to you, and schedule your appointment.
First Time Donor? We'll guide you through the safe and simple donation process and answer any questions you have. School Drives Organizing a blood drive at your school provides you with leadership opportunities. Corporate Drives Promote teamwork at your office by organizing a blood drive for your company. Community Drives Community blood drives are a great way to bring people together for a good cause: saving lives.
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